Few days ago, I took an opportunity to make an association of ENT symptoms and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). I appreciate the comments I have received. Today, I would like to go over how allergy symptoms may cause Gastrointestinal symptoms. One of the most common symptom of nasal allergy and sinusitis is post nasal discharge and drainage. This happens due to excessive mucus produced by the lining of the nose, pharynx, and sinuses. Generally the amount of mucus produced by nasal passages and sinuses is scant and most people are not even of aware of it. However, the allergies can cause copious amount of mucus production which eventually finds its way to the back of throat causing repeated throat clearing. Most patients end up swallowing this drainage/mucus. In my practice I have encountered many patients who have upper gastrointestinal symptoms due to swallowing of nasal drainage. Patients often have nausea, dry heaves, and sometimes vomiting. They also have the so called “sick” feeling in the upper abdomen area which is not necessarily pain but just the feeling of an upset stomach. Furthar evaluation does not reveal GERD, ulcers, or Gallbladder disease. Once they receive appropriate treatment of allergies with medications or nasal and sinus rinse, the post nasal drainage improves or resolves and that causes their upper gastric symptoms to improve. If you have upper gastrointestinal symptoms as descibed above and also suffer from post nasal drainage, you may benefit from aggresively treating your allergies with medications and sinus and nasal rinse. Of course, the symtoms need to be evaluated by a physician if they are persistent.

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This post is written by Dr. Shailesh Kadakia

Dr. Shailesh Kadakia has written 2 articles on this blog.

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Dr. Shailesh Kadakia is a board-certified gastroenterologist and currently in practice in San Antonio, Texas, USA. He specializes in gastrointestinal endoscopies, esophageal disorders and hepatitis C. He is also currently a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Previously, he served in the US Army for over 20 years and retired as a colonel. He has over 60 peer-reviewed medical publications in major medical journals and has written chapters in various textbooks. He is also an active member of various professional medical associations, and in particular those related to gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Dr. Kadakia will be available to respond to you if you post questions on this blog. He will mainly focus on gastrointestinal reflux disease and nasal and sinus disorders, as well as gastrointestinal allergies. He will also soon be available for live chat. DISCLAIMER: Dr. Kadakia’s communications via the Neilmed blog are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician with any questions you may have with respect to a medical condition.